In the early '60s, the Junior Kennel Club of South Australia was founded. I attended the inaugural meeting, and became a member of the club. Our mentors passed on their knowledge on Club matters, the running of shows, and provided us with invaluable experience. The Junior Kennel Club has been the training field for many well-respected identities in the dog world in Australia .

Prior to the Pedigree Junior Showmanship events, specialty clubs and the Royal Shows were the only competitive opportunities provided for young people. Both Natasha and Bianca competed in handler classes from a very young age, placing in many.

Natasha and Bianca trained their own dogs at obedience, and successfully ran their own and family dogs in endurance tests. I think that one of the most memorable of these for me was Natasha and her little Miniature Pinscher cross, Mr Min Pin, gaining Minny's ET at a Setter Club event. Minny was trained to Grade 5 level at the Gundog Club classes and like our Border Terrier, was quite the BIG dog in a little body.

Since the inception of the Pedigree Junior Showmanship competition, training days and handler classes have produced many outstanding handlers Australia-wide. Those that have gone through the ranks are now the mentors to today's youngsters and what capable hands they are in! We Aussies can be justly proud of the success of the Australian Pedigree Dog Handler of the Year winners' performances at Crufts.

It is to our pleasure to support the juniors and to make our dogs available to them for training days and competitions. These young adults are the future of our hobby.